Is donating crypto tax deductible?

Yes. Donating cryptocurrency to a qualified 501(c)(3) charity is tax deductible. For long-term held crypto (>1 year), you deduct the FMV. For short-term held crypto (≤1 year), you deduct the cost basis.

Do I pay capital gains tax when donating crypto?

No. When you donate crypto directly to a qualified charity, you do not owe capital gains tax on the appreciation. This is a major advantage over selling and donating the proceeds.

What is the AGI limitation on crypto donations?

For FMV-based deductions (long-term crypto), the limit is 30% of your adjusted gross income. For cost-basis deductions (short-term crypto), the limit is 50% of AGI. Excess amounts carry forward for 5 years.

Do I need an appraisal for crypto donations?

For crypto donations valued over $5,000, you need a qualified appraisal and must attach Form 8283 to your tax return. For donations under $5,000, you need documentation of the FMV but not a formal appraisal.

Can I donate crypto from a DeFi wallet?

Yes. You can transfer crypto from any wallet to a charity's wallet address. Many charities now accept crypto directly through platforms like The Giving Block. The key is that the transfer goes directly to the charity.

What records do I need for a crypto donation?

Keep the charity's acknowledgment letter, the date of donation, the FMV at donation, your cost basis, the transaction hash, and a qualified appraisal if the donation exceeds $5,000. Always verify with current data, as conditions may change over time.

Crypto Donation Deduction Calculator

Calculate your tax deduction for donating cryptocurrency to charity. Deduction equals FMV if held over 1 year or cost basis if held 1 year or less.

Crypto FMV at Donation

Your Cost Basis

Holding Period

Adjusted Gross Income

Marginal Tax Rate

Deduction Amount

$50,000.00

AGI Limit

$60,000.00

Allowable Deduction

$50,000.00

Carryforward

$0.00

Tax Savings

$12,000.00

Capital Gains Avoided

$6,000.00

Total Tax Benefit

$18,000.00

Sum of all values

Planning notes, formulas, and examples

About the Crypto Donation Deduction Calculator

Donating cryptocurrency to a qualified charity can provide significant tax benefits. If you've held the crypto for more than one year, you can deduct the full fair market value (FMV) at the time of donation — and you don't pay capital gains tax on the appreciation. This makes donating appreciated crypto one of the most tax-efficient ways to give.

If you've held the crypto for one year or less (short-term), your deduction is limited to your original cost basis, not the FMV. This means the appreciation is not deductible. Additionally, charitable deductions for crypto are limited to 30% of your adjusted gross income (AGI) for FMV donations and 50% for cost-basis donations.

This calculator estimates your charitable deduction, the capital gains tax you avoid by donating instead of selling, and the AGI limitation on your deduction. It helps you optimize your charitable giving strategy for maximum tax benefit. This calculator is for educational purposes only and is not tax or financial advice.

When This Page Helps

Donating appreciated crypto is significantly more tax-efficient than selling and donating cash. This calculator quantifies the tax savings so you can compare strategies. It also checks whether your deduction exceeds the AGI limitation, helping you plan multi-year charitable giving.

How to Use the Inputs

Enter the fair market value of the cryptocurrency you plan to donate.
Enter your original cost basis for the crypto.
Select the holding period (over 1 year or 1 year or less).
Enter your adjusted gross income (AGI).
Enter your marginal tax rate.
Review your deduction amount, AGI limit, and tax savings.

Formula used

Deduction = FMV (if held >1 year) or Cost Basis (if held ≤1 year)
AGI Limit = 30% × AGI (for FMV donations) or 50% × AGI (for basis donations)
Allowable Deduction = min(Deduction, AGI Limit)
Tax Savings = Allowable Deduction × Marginal Tax Rate
Capital Gains Avoided = (FMV − Cost Basis) × Capital Gains Rate

Example Calculation

Result: $12,000 tax savings + $6,000 capital gains avoided

You donate crypto worth $50,000 with a $10,000 cost basis held over 1 year. Deduction = $50,000 FMV. AGI limit = 30% × $200,000 = $60,000 (not exceeded). Tax savings = $50,000 × 24% = $12,000. You also avoid $40,000 × 15% = $6,000 in capital gains tax.

Tips & Best Practices

Donate crypto held over 1 year to deduct the full FMV and avoid capital gains tax.
If you'd donate cash anyway, donate appreciated crypto instead and buy replacement crypto with cash.
The 30% AGI limit for FMV donations can be carried forward for up to 5 years.
Get a qualified appraisal for crypto donations over $5,000.
Donate directly to the charity's wallet — don't sell first, or you trigger capital gains.
Keep records of the FMV on the date of donation and your original cost basis.

Why Donate Crypto Instead of Cash

Donating appreciated crypto is more tax-efficient than selling and donating cash. When you sell crypto, you pay capital gains tax on the appreciation. When you donate directly, you avoid that tax and still deduct the full FMV. This effectively gives you a double tax benefit.

AGI Limitations and Carryforward

If your crypto donation exceeds 30% of your AGI, the excess can be carried forward for up to 5 years. This means a large one-time donation can provide tax benefits over multiple years. Plan your giving to maximize the deduction each year.

Platforms That Accept Crypto Donations

Many charities accept crypto directly through platforms like The Giving Block, BitPay, or Coinbase Commerce. Donor-advised funds (DAFs) like Fidelity Charitable and Schwab Charitable also accept crypto, letting you take the deduction now and distribute to charities later.

Sources & Methodology

Last updated: February 9, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Donating cryptocurrency to a qualified 501(c)(3) charity is tax deductible. For long-term held crypto (>1 year), you deduct the FMV. For short-term held crypto (≤1 year), you deduct the cost basis.